EYES ON DIABETES

Eyes on diabetes.One in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed screening for type 2 diabetes is important to ensure early diagnoses and treatment to reduce the risks of serious complications such as blindness. The theme of World Diabetes Day 2016 is Eyes on Diabetes. Screening for type 2 diabetes is important to modify its course and reduce the risk of complications.

Diabetes is a huge and growing burden: According to International Diabetes Federation, 415 million adults were living with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to around 642 million or one in ten adults by 2040. One in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed. Many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long time without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present. Up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles, equivalent to up to 160 million cases by 2040.

With increasing levels of poor nutrition and physical inactivity among children in many countries, type 2 diabetes in children has the potential to become global public health issue leading to serious health outcomes.

More than 640 million of us may be living with diabetes by 2040. Delayed diagnosis mean that many people with type 2 diabetes will suffer from at least one complication by the time they are diagnosed with diabetes. In many countries according to IDF, diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower- limb amputation.More of us will develop and live with type 1 diabetes. Screening for diabetes complications is an important part of effective management of the disease,to ensure optimal health.Of the 415 million adults living with diabetes in 2015, over one third will develop some form of diabetes retinopathy – a complication of diabetes that lead to vision impairment and blindness.Eating healthy and exercise more could help you.